{"id":225,"date":"2019-04-24T08:00:17","date_gmt":"2019-04-24T08:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/?p=225"},"modified":"2026-01-06T15:18:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T15:18:37","slug":"aqua-core-exercises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/aqua-core-exercises\/","title":{"rendered":"3 water exercises for a strong core"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An exercise routine to strengthen your core and trim the belly is more than endless crunches and monthly plank challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if you are spending 15 minutes on a mat with your hands tucked behind your head, you are missing out on the benefits of exercising in the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Master Spas swim spa<\/a> takes advantage of water\u2019s natural properties to give people a safe, fun place to exercise. The buoyancy of water helps improve movement and reduce impact, while the resistance makes the simplest of movements more effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"water<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Training your core in a swim-in-place pool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that water can have 12 times the resistance of air? And depending on the speed of movements, it can be greater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a swim spa, also known as a swim-in-place pool, you can target the muscles of your core. Activities such as swimming and treading water force you to engage your muscles, which will lead to a stronger core. Water walking or aqua jogging against the current of the swim spa require core strength, as you use those muscles for balance and stabilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, you can perform effective exercises that target belly fat and strengthen your core \u2014 without putting undue pressure on your neck or affecting your low spine. (Yep, a crunch can do that.) Many traditional ab exercises can be modified for the water, such as flutter kicks, knee tucks and wood chops. But the swim spa environment also allows for more dynamic movements that benefit your core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MasterSpas swim spas<\/a> come with a complete guide to exercising in the water. From walking to arm curls, the programs target the entire body \u2014\u00a0abs included.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Rick McAvoy, physical therapist and aquatic fitness expert, shares dynamic exercises that target the entire trunk and help improve stability and balance. Perform them as part of a complete program or try them on their own. After a warm up, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"pool<\/a>
The bell pass is an aquatic exercise for core strength. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Benefits of a strong core<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Strong ab muscles aren\u2019t just about having a six pack or looking good in a swim suit. Strengthening the muscles of the trunk can significantly improve your physical health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Harvard Health<\/a>: Weak or inflexible core muscles can impair how well your arms and legs function. And that saps power from many of the moves you make. Properly building up your core cranks up the power. A strong core also enhances balance and stability. Thus, it can help prevent falls and injuries during sports or other activities. In fact, a strong, flexible core underpins almost everything you do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So when you do an aquatic ab workout in the swim spa, you aren\u2019t working toward looking better. You are helping yourself move better throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the benefits of a strong core: <\/p>\n\n\n\n